Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) offers a 74-credit Associate in Science (A.S.) in Occupational Therapy Assistant that combines classroom instruction, laboratory training, and fieldwork. The program is based in Jacksonville and uses a limited-access admissions process.
Graduates are prepared to work as entry-level occupational therapy assistants and pursue certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
FSCJ OTA Program at a Glance
| Degree | Associate in Science (A.S.) |
| Location | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Program Length | About 2 years |
| Credits | 74 |
| Estimated Tuition | About $7,900 for Florida residents* |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 |
| Entrance Exam | HESI-A2 |
| Application Deadline | February 15 |
| Program Format | Campus/Hybrid |
| Accreditation | ACOTE |
| 3-Year Graduation Rate | 80% |
*Tuition estimate does not include books, testing, background checks, uniforms, fieldwork expenses, certification, licensure, and other program-related costs.
Program Overview
FSCJ’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program is a limited/selective access program, which means meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
The curriculum includes 19 credits of prerequisite/general education coursework, 52 credits of professional OTA coursework, and a 3-credit professional elective. OTA students study areas such as mental health, physical rehabilitation, pediatrics, neurological rehabilitation, adaptive living skills, and geriatric occupational therapy.
Students also complete laboratory training, Level I fieldwork, and two Level II fieldwork experiences before graduation.
Some general education and OTA courses are available online or in a hybrid format, but this is not an online OTA program. Students should expect regular campus attendance and in-person clinical training.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must complete FSCJ’s admission requirements before they can be considered for the professional OTA program.
Key requirements include:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Grade of C or higher in each prerequisite course
- Completion of the HESI-A2
- Official high school/GED and college transcripts
- FSCJ application with Occupational Therapy Assistant listed as the program plan
- Signed Core Performance Standards form
Prerequisite coursework includes:
- English Composition
- College-level mathematics
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- Human Growth and Development
- Humanities
Students must also complete all nine sections of the HESI-A2 in one sitting. FSCJ requires a minimum score of 75% in Anatomy & Physiology, Math, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension.
HESI scores must be less than two years old when submitted. Applicants can retake the HESI after 91 days, up to three times per year.
After acceptance, students must complete additional health and clinical requirements, including a physical examination, immunization documentation, drug screening, Level II background screening, and American Heart Association CPR/BLS certification.
Competitive Admissions
Admission is based on a point-ranking system, rather than simply meeting minimum requirements.
FSCJ awards points based on:
- Overall GPA
- Grades in prerequisite courses
- HESI-A2 scores
- Direct patient healthcare experience or military service
- American Heart Association BLS certification
Applicants with an overall GPA between 3.5 and 4.0 receive more ranking points than applicants who meet the 2.5 minimum. Higher grades in prerequisite courses and stronger HESI scores also increase an applicant’s ranking.
This makes academic performance particularly important for students applying to the program.
Application Deadline
The current application deadline is February 15.
Applicants should complete prerequisite courses, testing, transcripts, and other required materials before the deadline. FSCJ reports that applicants are generally notified of their admission status approximately four to six weeks after the review deadline.
Review FSCJ OTA Admissions Information
Curriculum
The professional OTA sequence covers five terms and progresses from introductory coursework into specialized occupational therapy practice and full-time fieldwork.
Students take courses including:
- Introduction to Occupational Therapy
- Human Occupation Across the Lifespan
- Functional Anatomy I and II
- Mental Health in Occupational Therapy
- Adaptive Living Skills
- Physical Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy
- Pediatrics in Occupational Therapy
- Neurological Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy
- Occupational Therapy with the Geriatric Population
- Business Aspects of Occupational Therapy Practice
The final term includes Occupational Therapy Supervised Practice I and II along with a Seminar for Clinical Practice.
Fieldwork and Hands-On Training
Fieldwork is built into the FSCJ OTA curriculum.
Students first complete Level I fieldwork through OTH 1800: Occupational Therapy Practicum I. This experience introduces students to occupational therapy practice before they begin their full-time clinical rotations.
The final semester includes two Level II experiences:
- OTH 2840 – Occupational Therapy Supervised Practice I
- OTH 2841 – Occupational Therapy Supervised Practice II
Each Level II experience is eight weeks and full time.
FSCJ attempts to arrange placements within commuting distance of the student’s home or campus, but students should be prepared to travel as far as 90 miles from FSCJ’s North Campus or their residence.
Students are responsible for expenses associated with fieldwork, including transportation, uniforms, screenings, physicals, vaccinations, and other requirements established by individual clinical sites.
Tuition and Program Cost
Estimated in-state tuition and fees for the 74-credit program are approximately $7,900 based on the program’s published tuition information previously reviewed by OTAFlorida.com.
Students should budget for additional expenses beyond tuition. These may include:
- Books and course materials
- Background checks and drug screening
- Physical examinations and immunizations
- Uniforms
- CPR/BLS certification
- Online testing or proctoring fees
- Transportation to fieldwork sites
- NBCOT certification exam
- Florida licensure
Because FSCJ can change tuition and individual course fees, students should use the college’s current tuition schedule to calculate their cost before enrolling.
View Current FSCJ Tuition and Fees
Accreditation and Certification
The FSCJ Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
ACOTE granted the program a 10-year accreditation period in 2018. Its next on-site evaluation is scheduled for 2027-2028.
Graduates are eligible to pursue the national certification examination required to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). Florida also requires occupational therapy assistants to obtain state licensure.
Program Outcomes
FSCJ reports a three-year graduation rate of 80% for students admitted from 2022 through 2024.
| Admission Year | Graduation Year | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 74% |
| 2023 | 2024 | 67% |
| 2024 | 2025 | 100% |
| Three-Year Rate | 80% |
FSCJ directs prospective students to NBCOT for current certification examination pass-rate data.
What Stands Out
FSCJ offers an unusually affordable path to OTA training compared with many private occupational therapy assistant programs in Florida.
The program also provides a clearly defined five-term professional sequence, two full-time Level II fieldwork experiences, and training across several major areas of occupational therapy practice.
The main consideration is admission. FSCJ uses a competitive point system, so meeting the 2.5 GPA and HESI minimums does not guarantee a seat. Applicants with stronger grades, higher HESI scores, healthcare experience, and BLS certification can earn additional ranking points.
Students should also consider the travel demands of fieldwork. Clinical placements may require commuting up to 90 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FSCJ’s OTA program accredited?
Yes. FSCJ’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by ACOTE. Its next on-site accreditation evaluation is scheduled for 2027-2028.
How long is the FSCJ OTA program?
FSCJ describes the 74-credit OTA degree as a two-year program. Once students enter the professional sequence, the sample roadmap runs across five consecutive terms.
What GPA do I need for the FSCJ OTA program?
Applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. However, admission is competitive. Applicants with higher GPAs receive more points in FSCJ’s admissions ranking system.
Does FSCJ require the HESI for OTA admission?
Yes. Applicants must complete all nine HESI-A2 sections in one sitting and earn at least 75% in Anatomy & Physiology, Math, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension.
When is the FSCJ OTA application deadline?
The current application deadline is February 15.
Can I complete the FSCJ OTA program online?
No. Some prerequisite, general education, and OTA courses may be offered online or in hybrid formats, but the professional program includes campus-based instruction, labs, and in-person fieldwork.
How much fieldwork is required?
Students complete Level I fieldwork followed by two eight-week, full-time Level II fieldwork experiences during the final semester.
Can I transfer OTA courses to FSCJ?
FSCJ evaluates transfer coursework individually. OTA courses from institutions participating in Florida’s Statewide Course Numbering System may be accepted, but OT or OTA courses more than two years old are not accepted for transfer credit.